46 Let's Talk About Secs

Scattered Curiosities

Having already covered Presidents and Vice Presidents, we are now continuing the tradition of an annual show dedicated to the men and women who have run the United States since its inception with the elusive position of Secretary of State, a job held by a few would-be presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan. Some got the gig by nepotism, being a president’s military buddy, school chum or even being genuinely qualified for the job. Listen to the living textbook, Albort Einstone, as he examines Whigs becoming Republicans, extortions being paid to Barbary pirates and why obtaining Texas was such pain in the neck. Which Secretary argued Aaron Burr’s treason trial? Which argued Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial? And who was in St. Petersburg when Napoleon invaded and then also in Paris for the “Little Emperor’s” infamous Hundred Days? Let’s Talk About Secs.